Cost of Living: Dayton, OH vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Dayton is 46% cheaper than Rochester.

$866/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 52%
$43,454/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 102%
$93,200 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 208%
$833/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 60%
136,741
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
9.85%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $450/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $5,400/year.

Median household income is $44,313/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Dayton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs Rochester — common questions

Is Dayton or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and Rochester?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $450/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or Rochester?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $44,313/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Minnesota?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Dayton or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Dayton details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Dayton and Rochester

Dayton vs. Cedar Rapids Dayton vs. Pasadena Dayton vs. Hampton Dayton vs. Miramar Dayton vs. West Valley City Dayton vs. Victorville Rochester vs. Independence Rochester vs. Lafayette Rochester vs. College Station Rochester vs. Ann Arbor Rochester vs. Clovis Rochester vs. Berkeley